Hebrews 6:13-7:10

The Tenth

I have always tithed. Growing up in a pastor’s home I not only heard tithing taught, I saw it practiced. Because it has always been a part of my Christian walk it has always been somewhat easy for me. This isn’t to say that there were not times when things were tight. It was easy because it was already decided. I tithe first and that is that. God has taken care of the rest since He can make the 90% I have left over go farther than I can make the 100% go.

Some people complain that tithing is not in the New Testament. They are wrong. They may refuse to see it but it is there. Not only does Jesus endorse tithing in Luke 11:42 but the writer of Hebrews firmly ties tithing to the Christian faith in today’s passage.

Abraham is the father of those who believe. (Romans 4:16) Melchizedek is a clear type of Christ. He was a priest and king. There is only One other in scripture who holds that distinction: Jesus. He was greater than Abraham. Again, that is very select company and it could be argued that Jesus is the only other member of that group among mankind. We will find out tomorrow that Jesus was not a priest after the order of Aaron but after the order of Melchizedek. 

Therefore, we have the father of those who believe encountering the first of Christ’s priestly line and as part of the exchange that takes place Abraham pays the tithe. From this it seems pretty clear that tithing is a component of Christian worship. 

From my own experience, and the experience of many others I have witnessed, I can certainly say this, “Tithing leads to a blessed life.” It brought blessing to Abraham and it will bring blessing to you as well.